Assessment and map of geotourism potential sites in Amhara Regional State, Northwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

This study focused on the assessment of geo-tourism potentials in Amhara Regional State, the northeastern part of Ethiopia. Geotourism is a newly applicable area of tourism development that is growing rapidly all over the world. Geo-tourism is geomorphic and geologic formations and characteristics. The objective of the study was to produce an inventory assessment for geotourism locations and give some tour guide maps for the peoples of the world through this media, as well as to assess their potential for tourism growth. The methodological approach for the geotourism inventory and mapping was GIS techniques and detailed inventories of geo-tourism locations. The results of the study showed that more than 20 geo-tourism locations were identified and mapped. The parameters used to assess the potential of geotourism sites were related to tourism and the country's scientific, educational, scenic, recreational, protective, functional, and ecological aspects. The findings of the study are not only helpful for the tourism sectors, academic institutions, researchers and visitors, but also make a great contribution to the country's income generation in general.

Keywords

• geotourism
• geomorphosites
• geosites
• geohearitage
• sustainable tourism
• Ethiopia